A Case Of Occlusal Reconstruction Following Orthodontic Treatment
A 25-year-old female with posterior occlusal dysfunction, orthodontic/TMD history, and dental anxiety received minimally invasive occlusal veneers. The treatment preserved tooth structure, restored functional occlusion in two visits, and reduced anxiety. CBCT-confirmed TMJ health despite subjective symptoms. This demonstrates psychologically-informed adhesive dentistry for complex cases. A 25-year-old female patient presented with a chief complaint of posterior occlusal dysfunction persisting for over 1 year. The patient had a history of orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) management, along with significant dental anxiety. Clinical examination revealed inadequate posterior occlusal contacts without evident TMJ pathology on CBCT imaging. The treatment involved minimally invasive occlusal veneer restorations, preserving maximum tooth structure while reestablishing functional occlusion. The two-visit protocol significantly reduced treatment time and patient stress. At the two-week follow-up, the patient expressed dissatisfaction with minor occlusal interferences and requested selective adjustment. the patient reported no discomfort after adjustment. This case demonstrates how minimally invasive veneers can effectively restore occlusion while addressing psychological needs in complex patients. The success highlights three key factors: (1) adhesive techniques preserving tooth structure, (2) shortened treatment time reducing anxiety triggers, and (3) the importance of correlating subjective symptoms with objective findings. This case highlights the successful integration of adhesive dentistry principles with psychological considerations for managing complex occlusal cases in anxious patients. The conservative approach achieved both biological preservation and functional rehabilitation while addressing the patient's emotional needs through tailored communication strategies and efficient treatment delivery.
Authors
- Rongjun Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8017-4091)
- Jiyuan Shen
- Zhiqiang Zheng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7077-5635)
Institutions
- Fujian Medical University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Dental Journal
- Published
- 2025-10-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2025.105226
- Primary Topic
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00